TIME’S UP UK is running a social media campaign this week celebrating the women and people of colour they feel should have been recognised at this year’s awards.
Dame Heather Rabbatts, Chair, TIME’S UP UK, says; “the awards season is upon us and while there are some great films and outstanding performances nominated, there have been glaring omissions. The lack of diversity both at the Golden Globes and now at the BAFTAS has been the subject of criticism from across the media and from talent. It could be said that the debate itself is a manifestation of all the work TIME’S UP UK and others have been doing to raise this issue to the forefront. But we all know this is a long and difficult journey. TIME’S UP UK wants to ensure we do not let these awards pass by without us raising the profile of those whose endeavours and performances have not made it to the nominations. So, we are running a social media campaign which will highlight those who are absent and who we also want to see recognised. For example, exceptional female-directed films such as Atlantique, Booksmart, The Farewell, Harriet, Honey Boy, Hustlers, Little Women, The Nightingale, Queen & Slim and Portrait of a Lady on Fire. Recall performances from Lupita Nyong’o, Jennifer Lopez, Cynthia Erivo, Jodie Turner-Smith and Marianne Jean-Baptiste. Chiwetel Ejiofor’s The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, Andrew Onwubolu’s Blue Story Shola Amoo’s The Last Tree and the performances by Michael B Jordan and Jamie Foxx in Just Mercy. This is not about taking away from the talent that has been nominated, we congratulate all of those nominated and we all know the hard work and total commitment to achieve this accolade. But alongside, there are others who should be standing on that carpet. We really hope you will join with us in celebrating the rich and diverse roster of talent before us. This ‘invisibility’ is even more shocking given the choices which were available and the strength of films and performances where Black talent was apparent this year.”
Amma Asante, Director says; “My pick for Best Actress in a Leading Role for this year’s BAFTA Film Awards is Jodie Turner-Smith in Queen & Slim.”
Carey Mulligan, Actress, says; “I would give a BAFTA nomination to Lorene Scafaria for Hustlers”.
Gemma Arterton, Actress, says; “I loved Booksmart and can’t believe it didn’t get any nods, especially for the acting and first-time director. Same goes for The Nightingale and Portrait of a Lady on Fire.”
Himesh Patel, Actor says; “My BAFTA nomination choices would be Lee Jung Eun – Best Supporting Actress for Parasite, and Tzi Ma – Best Supporting Actor for The Farewell.”
Indira Varma, Actress and TIME’S UP UK Ambassador says; “I very much support Bong Joon-Ho’s nomination for Best Director and Best Picture Parasite, but I would also nominate Mati Diop for Best Director Atlantique and Olivia Wilde for Best Director Booksmart. My pick for Best Screenplay would be Emily Halpern, Sarah Haskins, Susanna Fogel and Katie Silberman Booksmart. My Best Actress in a Leading Role nomination would be Awkwafina The Farewell.
Ophelia Lovibond, actress says; “My BAFTA nomination picks would be: Leading Actress: Cynthia Erivo Harriet, Best Director: Greta Gerwig Little Women and Leading Actor: Daniel Kaluuya Queen & Slim.”
Stacy Martin, Actress, says; “My nomination for Best Film is Atlantique by Mati Diop.”
These wish list BAFTA nominations are being posted on the TIME’S UP UK Instagram feed @TIMESUPUK. If you would like to add your BAFTA nomination wish list please send to: info@www.timesupuk.org